Mischief and Mystery in Moominvalley

The Show …

Lost and Found theatre company were commissioned by the Tove Jansson literary estate and Moomin Characters to create a new theatrical experience for children. The show has enjoyed sell out residencies at Londons prestigious Southbank Centre and Kew gardens, and shows at Bristol Colston Hall, The Big Family Festival, Shefield Nuffield Theatre and Old Market Brighton.

Based on the much-loved Moominland novels by Tove Jansson, this gentle heart-warming show tells the story of a year in Moominvalley. Moomintroll wakes up in the middle of winter with a “something- wrong -feeling”. There’s no sign of his good friend Snufkin, or the note Snufkin left him. As winter turns to Spring Snufkin returns, the days lengthen into a lazy summer and “the sea brings them all the adventures they could wish for”. Autumn barges in and Snufkin leaves once more for the Lonely Mountains.

Each section of the story has an interactive element; audience members have a snowball fight, toast marshmallows around a fire and go sea-swimming. The characters of Moomintroll, Snufkin, Little My and Thingummy & Bob are brought to life with 2D rod puppets and life size 3D puppets. The show uses beautiful original music and songs, and pre-recorded narration. The iconic Tove Jansson illustrations are recreated in a magical pop up book.

The show was created in consultation with Sophia Jansson, Tove’s niece, and echoes the books’ themes: the love of nature, the value of friendship, the pain of separation and the acceptance of difference. It is currently the only authorised Moomin puppet show, having been created for the Southbank’s Nordic Matters festival.

This production was created for audiences aged 4 to 7 and their families, however TouchBase Pears is an inclusive venue and all are welcome.

The venue …

All our performances take place in a relaxed environment, which means that we will take a relaxed approach to noise, movement and the use of assistive technology

A variety of seating and spaces will be available, including chairs, soft chairs, beanbags and floor mats.

All performances include a range of communication methods, which vary by production. If you have a query or an access requirement which is not listed, please contact us no less than 1 month prior to the performance at access@touchbasepears.org.uk

You are welcome to use your own technology (without sound please) if this helps you to enjoy the production.

A touch tour/familiarisation session is available in the space (30 minutes) before each performance. You are welcome to take photographs during this time (though please not during the performance), as long as these are for your private use only.

A ‘chill-out’ zone will be available outside the space for those who need to take a little time out before, during or after the show.

A visual story for the event will be available via email from 2 weeks before the performance date. If you would like to request a visual story or have any other specific access requests or queries, please contact us with as much notice as possible at access@touchbasepears.org.uk